About the Webinar:
This presentation highlighted how parent advocates can help improve programs. It reviewed effective tactics for training, engaging, and mobilizing parents. Attendees also had opportunities for collaboration and engagement during the session.
The Power of Parent Engagement
Presenter:
- Lauren May, Director of Advocacy, Step Up For Students
Date/Time: November 19, 2024
Conference: 2024 FL Charter School Conference
View The Recording:
Handouts / Slides:
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Session Summary
This presentation, "The Power of Parent Engagement," by Lauren May, Director of Advocacy at Step Up For Students, explores the importance of parent engagement in advocating for educational choice and improving school programs. The session begins by highlighting the growth of school choice options in Florida and the role of parents in advocating for these options.
The presentation then delves into the various ways that parents can be mobilized to advocate for their children's education. This includes contacting lawmakers, attending meetings, writing letters to the editor, and sharing their stories on social media and in the news.
The presenter emphasizes the importance of training parent advocates to effectively share their stories and advocate for their children's educational needs. This includes focusing on the positive aspects of their experiences, speaking from the heart, and being prepared to answer questions from the media and lawmakers.
The presentation also highlights the importance of building relationships with parents and meeting them where they are in terms of communication and engagement. This includes hosting events, webinars, and one-on-one meetings, as well as utilizing various communication channels to reach parents effectively.
The presenter concludes by emphasizing the importance of being prepared for potential negative news stories and having a plan in place to maintain trust and transparency with parents and the wider community. Overall, the presentation provides a comprehensive overview of the power of parent engagement in advocating for educational choice and improving school programs.
Key takeaways for attendees:
- Parent engagement is crucial for advocating for educational choice and improving school programs.
- Mobilizing parents to advocate for their children's education can have a powerful impact on decision-making.
- Training parent advocates to effectively share their stories and advocate for their children's needs is essential.
- Building relationships with parents and meeting them where they are in terms of communication and engagement is key.
- Being prepared for potential negative news stories and having a plan in place to maintain trust and transparency is crucial.